40 OCCASIONAL HAPPY THOUGHTS. 



myself with them. Wellington Boots requests me to stop in 

 the Hall where I am, and not approach the spot where he 

 and Blucher Boots are deliberating. 



To this (being taken aback by this unexpected rebuff from 

 Wellington Boots, and giving up all idea of ingratiating 

 myself with him, at all events) I reply that " I shall stop 

 where I like." Long Boots angry ; Short Boots hesitating. 



" Are there any rooms ? " I ask. 



"That," answers Wellington Boots, irritably, "is what 

 we're talking about, if you'll stop where you are." 



I deny his right to order a visitor about, and have a good 

 mind to ring up the Manager or Proprietor, whoever he is. 

 If I knew which bell would summon him, I'd do it. 



Wellington Boots is wild at this. " Then," says he, 

 quite losing all the temper he ever had, " we haven't any 

 rooms." 



I insist upon it that there are rooms, and he suddenly 

 lights two chamber candles, and tells us to follow Blucher 

 Boots. 



My Chance Companion, who has been watching this 

 scene, and casting occasional pleading looks at me, as much 

 as to say, " Don't, please, or I shan't get a bed, and I 'm so 

 tired," now takes up his bag, and is evidently pleased at the 

 prospect of immediate sheets. 



But I am resolute. " Where," I demand, " are these 

 rooms ? " 



" He '11 shew you, if you'll go," says Wellington, indicating 

 Blucher with his head, and turning away sulkily. 



Scene. — Hall of Hotel. Dim light. Arch, right hand 



